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Overview of Courtroom 542's Evidence Presentation System

The evidence presentation system was designed to promote and enhance the presentation and dissemination of exhibits and evidence in the courtroom.

This system allows for the use of many forms of media as input and displays this media throughout the courtroom on flat panel LCD monitors. Also, large screen monitors can be set up to provide for increased "viewability" to the gallery.

The focal point of the evidence presentation system is the podium. The podium contains a 22-inch touch-screen monitor for viewing and mark-up of evidence sources including the document camera and various other inputs.

The document camera is capable of displaying documents, X-rays, 3-D objects, photographs, slides and overhead transparencies. By simply placing a document or object on the platform, the image is displayed throughout the courtroom.

The podium based 22" 10-point multi-touch touch screen monitor allows for “mark-up” augmentation of the media being presented. By applying the flesh part of a finger to the monitor surface, the user is capable of drawing freeform lines or applying an assortment of arrows or crosshairs that are superimposed on the display.

There is also a 22-inch touch screen monitor at the witness stand. This monitor is identical in size and functionality to the one at the podium.

The podium contains a user operated video source selector. This allows the user to switch between system inputs such as the document camera, laptop computer, Blu-Ray/DVD (video), and auxiliary (for additional electronic inputs that may be used in the future). In addition, there are power, vga and audio connections for connecting laptops and other devices to the evidence system.

The podium also contains a BLU-RAY/DVD player. The player is compatible with virtually any disk format, including Blu-Ray, BD-R, DVD, DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R (Video Mode), CD, SVCD,VCD, CD-R/RW and MP3 Playback. There are also USB and SD Card connections for displaying media from those devices. There is a remote control that can be operated from either counsel table. The podium also houses the electronic components that gather and disseminate the media throughout the courtroom.

Images are displayed throughout the courtroom via 24-inch flat panel LCD monitors. There are a total of 15 LCD monitors: 1 each for the judge, court reporter, courtroom deputy, law clerk / probation officer, plaintiff counsel
and witness; 2 monitors for the defense counsel, and 8 monitors for the jury.

The judge and/or courtroom deputy control who may view the media via desktop control units. These control units allow for the specific control of both input and output to the system. For example, the judge may only allow the podium and counsel to view an image until admitted. Once admitted, the witness and jury would then be allowed to view the image.

Also, the system allows for input from each counsel table. This enables counsel to use a laptop computer as an input into the system. With this option, counsel would be able to use their own application software to present information in the courtroom.